The second state of this rare map of the American continent was published by Philip Lea (fl.1683-1700) and John Overton (1640-1713). It was announced in the ‘Term Catalogue’ for November 1684 as ‘A new Map of America, divided into its general and particular parts … In a large sheet. Price 1s … sold by P. Lea …’ One of Europe had been advertised in the in November 1683. Freed from his apprenticeship by 1683, it is one of Philip Lea’s earliest productions. By this date Overton set of continental maps dating from 1668 and were in need of replacement. America and Europe both bear Lea’s name first in the imprint. Those of Asia and Africa bear Overton’s first. A clear indication of an equal partnership in the plates. The complete set was advertised in the ‘Term Catalogues’ for February 1686, and again in November 1690.

“The America plate, engraved by James Moxon, is cartographically an improved derivative of Overton’s earlier map. In South America the notable alteration is to the La Plata River. In North America the most obvious is the Foxe form of California as an island, noted for its double bay format to the north. English claims to the region are naturally made through the presence of New Albion. Further north the presumed coastlines of the Straits of Anian are displayed, these are more pronounced in the inset top left with a polar projection. The Mississippi River extends north-eastwards to meet an unusually formed Great Lakes. The former feature first appeared at the hands of John Thornton, the Great Lakes, however, are taken from an unknown source. Carolina, with Lederer like features, is followed by a markedly improved mid-Atlantic coastline. The new colony of PENSILVANIA is featured as are the principal towns in the region: Philadelphia, only surveyed in 1683, and Bridlinton. There is a dedicatory cartouche in the top right to Henry Duke of Beaufort. The Duke, a Privy Councillor since 1672, supported James II during the Glorious Revolution of 1688 and fell out of favour with William and Mary.” (Burden).

A second state was published following Lea’s change of address to Cheapside sometime during 1687. Only one surviving example of the first state could be located. Arber (1903) II pp. 45, 95, 158 & 336; Burden (1996) nos. 156 & 401; Burden (2007) 593; Leighly (1972) nos. 80 & 92; McLaughlin & Mayo (1995) no. 106; Pritchard & Taliaferro (2002) pp. 326-8 & private correspondence; Tooley (1964) no. 54; Tyacke (1978) pp. 120-2 & 130-5.